RFA Sets August Launch Date for Second Attempt of RFA One Inaugural Flight

German rocket builder Rocket Factory Augsburg plans to launch its RFA One rocket from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland in August, nearly two years after a first stage exploded during a static fire test.

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German rocket manufacturer Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has announced a launch window opening on August 10 for the inaugural flight of its RFA One rocket, according to a statement from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland. This second attempt comes almost two years after a first stage burst into flames during a static fire test, as reported by European Spaceflight. The RFA One is a small-lift launch vehicle designed to deliver payloads of up to 1,300 kilograms to low Earth orbit. The upcoming flight will mark the rocket's first orbital attempt. The launch will take place from SaxaVord Spaceport, located on the island of Unst in the Shetland Islands, which is one of Europe's few licensed vertical launch sites. RFA's previous attempt ended in a fire during a pre-launch static fire test, destroying the first stage. The company has since worked to rectify the issue and prepare for a new launch attempt.